01
Best overall pick
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach • Bustling Classic Beach Town • Best All-Around Coastal Escape
Pismo Beach delivers the classic Central Coast mix of wide sand, a long pier, and plenty of food and shops steps from the water.
From Bakersfield Country Club, Pismo is one of the most straightforward coast drives, making it an easy day trip. Park near the pier, walk straight onto the sand, then wander the compact downtown for clam chowder and ice cream between surf sessions. It gets busy on sunny weekends, but the long shoreline makes it easy to find your own patch of sand.
02
Best for a mellow day
Avila Beach
Avila Beach • Relaxed Cove With A Resort Feel • Great For Low-Key Couples And Small Groups
Sheltered and compact, Avila Beach feels quieter than nearby Pismo, with a calm bay and a walkable waterfront promenade.
If you want an easygoing day by the water after an early tee time, Avila’s gentle waves and small-town feel are ideal. The beach sits in a south-facing cove, so it often feels a bit warmer and less windy than other Central Coast spots. Cafés, wine tasting rooms, and hot springs nearby make it a comfortable, linger-all-afternoon kind of destination.
03
Best for dramatic scenery
Morro Rock Beach
Morro Bay • Windy, Wide-Open Shoreline • Top Pick For Photo-Worthy Views
Morro Rock Beach stretches out beneath the massive volcanic rock that anchors Morro Bay, with a broad, often uncrowded strip of sand.
This is the spot to go when you want to trade Bakersfield heat for cool ocean breezes and big-sky views. The beach runs north from the base of Morro Rock, giving you a long, flat walk with waves on one side and dunes on the other. It’s great for beachcombing, flying kites, taking photos, and watching surfers and seabirds rather than swimming all day.
04
Best Ventura choice
San Buenaventura State Beach
Ventura • Pier-Front City Beach • Ideal For Long Walks And Bike Rides
San Buenaventura State Beach combines a wide, sandy shoreline with a classic pier and easy access to Ventura’s laid-back downtown.
If you aim your drive toward Ventura instead of the Central Coast, this is a convenient, straightforward beach option. The long paved path behind the sand is perfect for walking or biking, and there’s usually room to spread out even on busier days. You can grab tacos or seafood nearby, stroll the pier at sunset, and still get back to Bakersfield the same evening.
05
Best for a big-city beach day
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica • Iconic Southern California Strand • Perfect If You Want Attractions With Your Sand
Santa Monica State Beach pairs a wide, lifeguard-patrolled shoreline with the famous pier, amusement rides, and a busy beachfront path.
When you’re willing to drive a bit farther for a full-on SoCal experience, Santa Monica tops the list. You get a huge sandy beach, plenty of volleyball courts and rental bikes, and the option to walk onto the pier for rides and people-watching. It’s more crowded and energetic than Central Coast spots, but that’s exactly the appeal if you want a full day of activity before heading back inland.